Question for Catholics?

Question

Long story short. Guy friend who I'm worried about. He's Catholic, says he believes and Jesus Christ and God. Prays through Mary [if that is the right way to say it]. Believes in the Bible – but doesn’t always obey. He does Marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol. I still care about him and pray for him every night, but I'm a Pentecostal Christian. On his Christmas card, I want to write, "You don’t deserve what you are doing to yourself. ______ loves you.” I don’t know weather to put “God” or “Jesus” there. Which one is more appropriate? Does it really matter? HELP!

Answer 1

Either of course are appropriate. Sounds like your friend already knows what you are writing. It is positive he prays. Maybe you should get him in touch with his priest and maybe also an addictions counselor. There are also pentecostal Catholic Churches, they tend to be called charismatic communities in the Catholic Church. If you think it would help him, you could connect him up with one, it seems important and helpful to you. He probably doesn't have the best grasp on the belief system but addictions are powerful. I have a family member who is an addiction counselor and he once said it is easier to get someone off heroin or cocaine than alchohol or tobacco and both do much more damage to your body than the clinical equivalents (not street version) of the illegal drugs mentioned. He has a problem and he is trapped in his body. He also may feel alone in this. Instead of putting it in the Christmas card, which is generally a card of hope, send him a get well card. That maybe a more powerful message.

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus came precisely for the sinner and the sick. If he attends Mass, go with him if it is appropriate and maybe encourage him to talk with the presbyter (priest) there.

Answer 2

He sounds like a somewhat typical Catholic. Some are more strict in their following of Catholic doctrine though.

You would put "God". God would encompass all for a Catholic since Catholics pray to saints, angels, God, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, including statues, items, etc. And you are giving the card to a Catholic.

Hope that helps.

:-)

Answer 3

No it does not matter. You presume to sit in judgment on a fellow Christian and hold yourself above him.

Could you too stand to be put under a microscope and pass a test? Probably not. If I got a card from a "friend" that had that scrawled across it, I would seriously consider finding new friends.

Perhaps you might examine your own heart and what it is you really are doing. It isn't quite so Christian or so pure and quite frankly I am embarrassed for you.

Answer 4

"God" would fit best. or you could say...
Your soul belongs to God, but as the blessed virgin Mary loved and watched over the life her son, I too watch and hope you will take better care of yourself.